Wine tastings are always a terrific way to sample new wines. When you combine something enjoyable for you, that ALSO benefits others...how can you pass that up?

You can sample a slew of wines from some of the most established and up and coming wineries in California on Sunday August 20th at the Biltwell Center in downtown Indianapolis. The new Prophecy wine label includes wines from around the world but its Pinot Noir is made from California grapes and it is a spot on example of the California style of handling the French grape. Enjoy lots of fresh, ripe red fruit, and a touch of warm spice in this easy drinking dry red. The Prophecy wine labels are as pleasing to the eye as the juice inside the bottles are to the palate. They are widely available and affordably priced.

The wine event benefits the Gennesaret Clinics-which offer free dental and medical services to thousands of Marion county residents, men, women and children, who would otherwise go without because they are either homeless or don't have the resources or money to stay healthy. The staff and volunteers that make these clinics work are as extraordinary as the collection of wines you will get to sample at their fundraising event on August 20th. Broad Ripple's own Cork+Cracker is handling the retail sales at the event, offering great discounts on bottles and giving part of the profit from sales that night to the Gennesaret Clinics.

In addition to California wine, there will be California cuisine, and the chance to win a trip TO California wine country. I will be there pouring wine and answering questions.

More information at www.gennesaret.org

Did you hear that sound? A WHOOP of glee from Nora as the 2017 Indiana State Fair opens on Friday and celebrates 16 glorious days of the best of Indiana Agriculture in a very culture minded way this year. This year's theme is the Wonderful World of Food so each day has a specific "food homage"- starting with deep fried on August 4th and includes days celebrating "on a stick" "funnel cakes" and honey. August 13th is "ice cream" and that day includes a brain freezing ice cream eating contest. Yum.

Once again Indiana wine, beer and spirits will be available daily in the Grand Hall. Just a few feet away is the new WFYI stage featuring local arts and science discussions plus local musicians on August 10th and Indy Shakes actors and Indianapolis Jazz Festival musicians on August 14th.

Let's all give Nora a run for the money and see how many days we can also enjoy the one and only offerings at the Indiana State Fair.